ACE USA Enhances Defense Base Act Workers Compensation Offerings; Targeting Small to Mid-Sized Contractors, Customized Approach Streamlines Overseas Business Process.

PHILADELPHIA -- ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operating division of The ACE Group of Companies, announced that it is enhancing its Defense Base Act (DBA) product offerings to create a responsive, comprehensive approach for small to mid-sized contractors bidding on work in Iraq and other DBA-mandatory locales. To more fully serve the unique needs of prime and sub-contractors doing business overseas, Kidnap & Ransom and 24-hour Accident & Health coverages have been added to the ACE USA DBA workers compensation coverage. In addition, ESIS, Inc., the risk management services arm of ACE USA, offers dedicated claims professionals with specialized knowledge of the complexities involved in administering DBA claims, and provides in-depth risk analysis, vulnerability, threat assessment, and risk control services in support of this coverage.

Before contractors and their employees can begin work on overseas contracts that are authorized, approved or financed by the U.S. government, or its agencies, DBA workers compensation insurance must be secured. According to William House, Senior Vice President, ACE US International, this targeted suite of DBA offerings is designed to provide quick turn-around to contractor inquiries and an informed, comprehensive and global approach to underwriting and managing contractor risk in war zones and other high-risk regions.

"When awarded a contract, contractors must act quickly to secure DBA coverage. ACE USA is committed to providing the centralized, responsive, risk management approach that will help them manage risk and make informed decisions when weighing these business opportunities. ACE USA brings the combined underwriting, risk management, and claims expertise of our entire global network to bear in managing the risks associated with doing business in Iraq and elsewhere overseas," commented Mr. House.

Prime and subcontractors weighing overseas opportunities will benefit from current, accurate and thorough information on the risks associated with working in specific countries or regions. Other considerations include providing employees with the education, strategies and resources to reduce their risk overseas, and ensuring their return to U.S. soil in the event of injury or death. The comprehensive suite of products and services offered by ACE USA is designed to ensure that contractors and their employees have the information, resources and protection to manage and lessen exposures in high-risk, overseas locations.

Highlights of the expanded menu of contractor services available through ACE USA's DBA Workers Compensation product include:

ESIS Risk Control Services include:

--Pre-Departure Assistance - Offerings include customized pre-deployment programs, information kits, and orientation/training programs (training programs available to deploying personnel from the U.S. and third-country nationals when central training locations exist).

--Risk Analysis, Vulnerability and Threat Assessment - ESIS risk control specialists have the expertise to analyze weaknesses and identify security measures that can minimize them.

--Housing Security Survey - Applying best-practices security to living quarters can help reduce risk. ACE experts provide current, in-country housing security reviews.

--Employee Return Debriefing & Medicals -ACE offers personalized two to three day re-entry courses that include full physical examinations and blood sampling.

ESIS Claims Management Services include:

--Claims Operations - ESIS provides a centralized point of contact for all DBA claims, staffed by an experienced team of claims professionals with in-depth knowledge of the unique features of the War Hazard Compensation Act and its filing process.

--Global Risk Advantage Claims Management Information System -This unique ACE system provides access to reports by location, cause of loss, severity and the data that helps clients understand claims results and identify possible improvement areas.

--In-Country Assistance -In Iraq and most other countries where US contractors employ foreign nationals, ACE can provide local claims assistance through its global network of contacts.

--Managed Care for Returnees -Addressing such exposures immediately upon return can reduce future medical claims. ACE can identify providers with demonstrated expertise in treating patients returning from the Middle East and other war zones.

--Specialized Defense Panel Firms - Expert claims management at every stage is key to minimizing loss. ACE only uses firms with significant experience in handling DBA/War Hazard claims.

--Crisis Management Services - ESIS can provide a highly trained team of professionals with expertise in crisis management, communications and evacuation should crisis occur overseas.

--Fatality Assistance - When fatal injuries occur overseas, ACE can assist in repatriating deceased employees, including transporting the body.

For more information about ACE USA's International's DBA coverage, contact William House, Senior Vice President, ACE US International at 972-465-7814.

ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operating division of The ACE Group of Companies, is headed by ACE Limited (NYSE: ACE), and rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard & Poor's. ACE USA, through its underwriting companies and its service companies, provides insurance products and related services throughout the U.S. Additional information on ACE USA and its products and services can be found at www.ace-ina.com. ESIS, Inc. (ESIS), an ACE USA service company, provides sophisticated risk management services designed to reduce claims frequency and loss costs. ESIS' Risk Management Information, Risk Control and Claims services can be used individually or collectively as part of a risk management program. The ACE Group of Companies provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse group of clients around the world.